Lemon Mousse with Shortbread (Printer-Friendly)

Zesty lemon mousse layered on buttery shortbread crumble for a light, refreshing dessert.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Crumble

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Lemon Mousse

05 - 3 large eggs, separated
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh berries
12 - Lemon zest curls
13 - Fresh mint leaves

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Rub together with fingertips or use a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Cool completely.
04 - In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Place bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk constantly for about 7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
05 - In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
06 - In a separate bowl, whip chilled cream to soft peaks.
07 - Gently fold whipped cream into cooled lemon mixture. Then fold in egg whites until just combined and smooth.
08 - Spoon generous layer of shortbread crumble into bottom of 6 small serving glasses or ramekins. Top with lemon mousse. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
09 - Top each cup with fresh berries, lemon zest curls, and mint leaves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Light and refreshing lemon mousse provides a perfect spring dessert option.
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • The buttery shortbread crumble adds a delightful texture contrast.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for gluten-free diets.
02 -
  • Use a double boiler to gently thicken the lemon mixture without scrambling the eggs.
  • Chill all mixing bowls and utensils beforehand for optimal cream whipping.
  • Sift sugar before beating egg whites to ensure smooth, glossy peaks.
  • Allow the assembled cups to chill for at least 2 hours to set properly and develop flavors.
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